Honor Dr. Leonard Slade

Senate Resolution No. 67 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Dr. Leonard A. Slade, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2016 Literary Legends Award by the Albany Public Library Foundation on October 22, 2016 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those artistic individuals whose creative talents and commitment to writing contribute to the enrichment of their community and the world, and to pay homage to a man whose life of writing stands out as an inspiration to others; and WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Leonard A. Slade, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the

October 22, 2016, at the Arbor Hill/West Albany Branch of the Albany Public Library, Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Each year, the Albany Public Library Foundation, through the Literary Legends Award, recognizes outstanding local authors, illustrators and publishers from the community who are considered leaders in the field of literature; the Gala is an opportunity to showcase their literary contributions as well as raise needed funds for special programs and services provided by the Albany Public Library; and WHEREAS, Dr. Leonard A. Slade, Jr. is the past Chair and current Professor of Africana Studies, Adjunct Professor of English, and past Director of the Humanistic Studies Doctoral Program and the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Program at the University at Albany, as well as a noted poet; and WHEREAS, Dr. Leonard A. Slade, Jr. received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from North Carolina's Elizabeth City State University, his Master of Arts degree in English from Virginia State University, and his Ph.D. in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and WHEREAS, For several summers, Dr. Leonard A. Slade, Jr. studied poetry at Bennington College in Vermont, The Bread Loaf Writers' Conference at Middlebury College in Vermont, and at the Ragdale Artists' Colony in Lake Forest, Illinois; he also studied with Pulitzer Prize Winners Stephen Dunn and Donald Justice; and WHEREAS, Dr. Leonard A. Slade, Jr. is a prolific author who has published 23 books, including 18 books of poetry: Another Black Voice: A Different Drummer, The Beauty of Blackness, I Fly Like a Bird, The Whipping Song, Vintage, Fire Burning, Neglecting the Flowers, Lilacs in Spring, Elisabeth and Other Poems, For the Love of Freedom, Jazz After Dinner, Triumph, Sweet Solitude, a best seller, The Season, Chasing the Wind, God Put a Rainbow in the Sky, and Nobody Knows; and WHEREAS, This esteemed writer and professor has given not only of his time and energies but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has been designated for special honor; and WHEREAS, Dr. Leonard A. Slade, Jr. resides in Albany, New York, with his wife who feels privileged to be part of his life and rejoices in his achievements; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when artistic creators of such remarkable talent and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Dr. Leonard A. Slade, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2016 Literary Legends Award by the Albany Public Library Foundation on October 22, 2016; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dr. Leonard A. Slade, Jr.